Headlight bucket assembly questions

[Bowtiefreak]

Can someone post some pics or diagrams for the assembly of the headlights and buckets to the radiator core support for a 68. I need to tackle this process soon and any help would be great.

Thanks,
Ron

[Bowtiefreak]

TTT,
I looked at a LMC book, but its not very detailed.

Anyone?

Thanks

[72BlckButy]

Bowtiefreak... I recently had to make some changes on my '69 headlight buckets, so I hope this will be helpful.

Are you refering to the bucket part which bolts (2 bolts/1 spring) to the frame that is welded to the radiator support?

[Bowtiefreak]

Yea, that is where I'm talking about.

Thank you

[72BlckButy]

Okay... I hope this will help you out then, sorry I don't have any pics.

You should have two headlight buckets, one for the driver's side and one for the passenger's side. When you are looking at the buckets themselves, in the center of the bucket there will be a cut out for the wires/bulb to pass through the bucket; there's also another notch cut in this area as well. The notch should face up on both buckets.

Then... on the surround of the bucket (the outside ring) you will have 3 different mounting points for the bucket to mount to the radiator support bracket. 2 - will be adjusters (will have a slot cut out for the adjuster bolts to slide in and out), and 1 - will be a spring mount. Also on the outer surround you will have 3 screw holes where the chrome trim ring will secure too.

On the passenger's side, the outer surround mount that has the adjuster slot and the trim ring screw hole together (on the same mounting flange); this will be pointed towards the center of the grille. (Again check to make sure the center of the bucket's cut out notch is facing up)

On the driver's side, the outer surround mount that has the adjuster slot and the trim ring screw hole together (on the same mounting flange); this will be pointed towards the hood. (Again check to make sure the center of the bucket's cut out notch is facing up)

[72BlckButy]

This is the only picture that I have of this process while working on my '69. The headlight bucket pictured below was installed incorrectly on the Passenger's side mount; this is actually a driver's side bucket. If you compare this picture to your passenger's side bucket, you will notice two differences:

1 - the center cutout is pointed the wrong direction
2 - the insets for the bulb (the little nubs/bumps on the back of the buld itself) are positioned incorrectly.

Again, the picture below show the wrong bucket being installed on the passenger's side mount.

[Rack Man]

Here you go....remember there is a right & left....make sure the spring is attached in the correct spot...and make sure the plastic nut inserts are not cracked!

[72BlckButy]

Rack Man... by that diagram, it shows to have the headlight assembly together first, what's your opinion? I found it easier to install the bucket, then the bulb, bulb trim ring, and then adjust it; followed by the outer bezel.

[Rack Man]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Rack Man... by that diagram, it shows to have the headlight assembly together first, what's your opinion? I found it easier to install the bucket, then the bulb, bulb trim ring, and then adjust it; followed by the outer bezel.

I agree 100%....Bucket & spring 1st....adjusters 2nd......bulb & trim ring 3rd.....outer bezel last

Some of the factory diagrams are whacked like that....LOL

[Bowtiefreak]

Man! Thank you guys soo much. I appreciate it.

Thanks,
Ron

[Rbessette]

Correct me if im wrong, this is my first Chevrolet C10 ( 1968 ) but shouldnt the core support have pre drilled holes for the adj screws/ spring? ill post a picture of the left and right side... any help would be appreciated

[Rbessette]

sorry for posting this 2 places, didnt realize it would bump it to the top lol.... ill get there eventually still learning the forums online.